Plexiglass cover?

My tank is a converted fresh water tank, so my filter and return and power heads hang over the side of the tank. I don't have a hood for this reason. The glass covers I have don't cover the tank completely. I thought I'd cut some covers out of plexiglass, making cuts to accomodate the items hanging on the sides. Has anyone had any experience with plexiglass (new) with salt water? It doesn't release any bad chemicals or anything into the water does it? Any thoughts?

 

Plexiglass should be fine, acrylic would be better. Both are susceptible to heat from lights. A safe distance and fans will greatly assist the dissapation of heat.

 

The way my tank is, the lights set right on top of the cover (glass currently, but would be the plexiglass if I switched). The way you make it sound Craig, I'd have to worry about it melting under the lights? The lights are a 40 W single flourescent right now.

 

Forgot to ask too, you think that if I went with the plexiglass, just a quick rinse in regular non-sw would be OK, or you think I'd need to do more to get them ready for use?

 

I woul elevate the lights an inch or two, and a rinse should be AOK.